(Springfield-jm) – Residents and consumer advocates have urged state regulators to reject a proposed $402 million rate hike sought by Peoples Gas. A meeting this week was organized by the Illinois Commerce Commission, which has until the end of the year to rule on the request. The company filed the increase request in January. Company officials said it is the first request for a hike in nine years. Peoples Gas made $208 million in profits in 2022, breaking its earnings record for the sixth year in a row.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair kicks off next week. Here’s a preview. The fair opens next Thursday, which will also be county fair and horse racing day. Harness racing on what’s considered one of the fastest dirt tracks in the world is scheduled for five days of the fair. There’s also character brunches and free entertainment. State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark says the arena will be back open this year…
State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. Rides will be running in the carnival midway and adventure village with special passes and bargain bracelets available. You can find all the details and purchase tickets online at: state fair dot illinois dot gov. The Illinois State Fair runs August 10th through the 20th in Springfield.
(Springfield-jm) – Those who partake in legal marijuana in Illinois are paying a considerable amount more than the rest of the country. Illinois’ taxes are part of the story, with a 6.25% sales tax and an excise tax of up to 25% depending on the amount of THC. Research by the company Headset shows that the average cost of marijuana is 89% higher than the rest of the country. There are fewer choices in Illinois as well. Headset found that Illinois dispensaries have 118 brands, while Michigan has about 800.
(Springfield-jm) – Signage for the new Emmett Till National Monument in Chicago was unveiled. The site of 14 year old Emmett Till’s funeral, the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, was designated a historic site by President Biden. It honors the short life of Till, who was lynched in Mississippi after being accused of whistling at a white woman. It also recognizes Mamie Till-Mobley, who in 1955 insisted the casket remain open during the service, so that the world could see the brutality inflicted on her son, says Governor J-B Pritzker…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says Mamie’s activism helped spur the March on Washington, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Emmitt Till Anti-Lynching Act which passed just last year.
(Effingham-jm) – The five-year-old girl injured in an accident at the Effingham County Fair has died. Harper Finn of Altamont passed away Wednesday night at St. Louis Children's Hospital. While attending a horse harness race, Finn was struck by the folding arm of the pace car, which failed to close due to a malfunction and extended into the grandstand. The Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association set up a GoFundMe page for the Finn family, with over $70,000 raised as of Thursday.
(Fisher–jc) – The annual Lucky foot Festival takes place in Fisher tomorrow. The event starts with a car show at 9am with a fun run at 10. Inflatables and games for kids also begin at 10am. A Bags tournament also hilites the event. Then it’s music with Seasonal Disorder from 6pm to 10pm
(Springfield-jm) – A recent report from the auditor general shows the extent of fraud from the state’s handling of unemployment claims during the pandemic. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett explains…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law establishes the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers. The bill creates mechanisms for acquiring and distributing fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, and dairy to organizations providing free food for those in need. Food acquired through the program must be from Illinois producers and must meet market-grade quality. However, much of the food going to the program is excess food that would have been wasted without food banks as an outlet.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has a new law that will require schools to better address student trauma. The law is based on recommendations from the whole child task force, which was created by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to create a more supportive environment for students. It was spearheaded by Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood…
State Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood. The law requires the State Board of Education to develop an index to measure a child’s exposure to various forms of trauma. There will also be training workshops for teachers on the issue.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public that the roadside mowing period is underway, requiring drivers to slow down, avoid all distractions and proceed with caution when encountering equipment and personnel. Maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks, started July 1 and includes areas next to culverts, ditches, traffic control devices and other structures. The heaviest mowing operations will continue until August 15.
(Chicago-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker was on hand this week to highlight a major expansion project at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. More details about the 500 million dollar multi-year project at Shedd in celebration of the aquarium’s 100th anniversary in 2030 are being announced. Plans include a new learning center and the “living lakes” gallery which will showcase freshwater fish and learn about the ecosystem of the Great Lakes…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says the project at Shedd is also creating jobs in the Chicago area. Other upgrades include the immersive “changing oceans” exhibit which has a 40 foot Caribbean tunnel visitors can walk through. They will also learn about the effects on climate change on aquatic life.
(Champaign-jm) – An iconic Champaign building could see new life. The owners of the over 100 year old Round Barn are seeking new tenants for the space. Famous Dave’s left the Round Barn a decade ago. They hope another restaurant will fill the space.
(Springfield-jm) – Changes are coming to DMV’s in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the changes that are taking place starting September 1st….
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Glo Bingo will take place tonight at the Pueblo Lindo Event Center.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Class of 2024 on Saturday from 10-2.
Cultivators Kids Club in Rantoul will hold their 15th annual back to school hope fest on Saturday from 3-5 pm at their location at 555 S. Maplewood Drive. Activities include bounce house, kids games, food and free school supply giveaway.
The Bement Country Opry will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.
Paxton’s fireworks will take place on Saturday at dusk at Bixby Park. The rain date is Sunday.
Gospel group Collage of Faith will perform at the Melvin United Methodist Church on Sunday at 3pm.
